Learning Disability Fast Facts

27% of children with learning disabilities drop out of high school.
(Source: 23rd Annual Report to Congress, 2001)

40% of full-time college freshmen with disabilities attending 4-year colleges reported having a learning disability.
(Source: HEATH Resource Center, 2001)

In the past 9 years, the percentage of students who spend 80% or more of their time in school in special education classes increased from 21 to 45%.
(Source: 23rd Annual Report to Congress, 2001)

29% of undergraduate students with disabilities reported having a learning disability.
(Source: National Center for Education Statistics, 2000)

Only 13% of students with learning disabilities (compared to 53% of students in general population) have attended a 4-year post-secondary school program within two years of leaving high school.
(Source: National Longitudinal Transition Study, 1994)

46% of all students with disabilities enrolled at two-year and four-year post-secondary education institutions reported having learning disabilities.
(Source: National Center for Education Statistics, 2000)

2.9 million students are currently receiving special education services for learning disabilities in the U.S.
(Source: 23rd Annual Report to Congress, 2001)

51% of students receiving special education services through the public schools are identified as having learning disabilities.
(Source: 23rd Annual Report to Congress, 2001)

The majority of all individuals with learning disabilities have difficulties in the area of reading.
(Source: President's Commission on Excellence in Special Education, 2002)

44% of parents who noticed their child exhibiting signs of difficulty with learning waited a year or more before acknowledging their child might have a serious problem. (Source: Roper Starch Poll: Measuring Progress in Public and Parental Understanding of Learning Disabilities, 2000)